JUST AN OLD FASHIONED KIND OF GUY My father, like most males of his generation existed in that secret realm where young sons seldom gain access. Our interactions consisted mainly of evening meals, chores on Saturday and church on Sunday. There were bouts of scouting and organized sport; but even here the lines were clearly drawn between adults and their charges. Our first real point of bonding was established over that classic American cocktail the “Old Fashioned.” Having grown up in a jurisdiction where the legal age for alcohol consumption was eighteen, I was also able to support my social habits by working the other side of the bar. So even before I considered the benefits and rigors of collegiate life – I attended a well respected bartending school in New York City. It was here that I acquired the knowledge and skills to become the go to guy whenever my dad required his favorite bourbon elixir.

This is the way both my dad and I enjoyed our Old Fashioned: 1)  Place one slice of orange and two maraschino cherries in the bottom of a rocks or old fashioned glass. 2)  Over the fruit sprinkle a half teaspoon of sugar and 3-4 dashes of bitters. 3)  Vigorously muddle the contents and then fill the glass with ice. 4)  Fill the glass halfway with club soda. 5)  Top off with 1 – 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon. 6)  Give a slow gentle stir and garnish with a fresh slice of orange.

Variations on the theme:  There are those that rail against the use of club soda in this cocktail. I have tried it with and without, and I have come to the conclusion that the soda imparts a unique and quite pleasant characteristic to the drink. Rye may be substituted for bourbon, and if you have an inclination to go offshore – Scotch whisky might just be the ticket.